A disillusioned war veteran, Capt. Rannulph Junah (Matt Damon), reluctantly agrees to play a game of golf. He finds the game futile until his caddy, Bagger Vance (Will Smith), teaches him the secret of the authentic golf s... more &raquotroke which turns out also to be the secret to mastering any challenge and finding meaning in life.&laquo less

Member Movie Reviews

One of the finest movies in existence...assuming one is interested in redemption, spiritual awakening (metaphorically expressed), and inspiration.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Dawnie C. (SeattleDawn) from TACOMA, WA Reviewed on 5/22/2011...

I love this movie, I hadn't seen it before I ordered it, but my mother told me it was a god movie! I love it!

1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Harold B. (roho) from JONESBOROUGH, TN Reviewed on 11/29/2010...

This is one fine movie, i can just imagine each person in this movie being, just as they are. The golf is fantastic thru out the movie. No body did the impossible, but there was some good shots made. I will watch it again someday, i got to give it a rest for now.

I went into this movie blind looking for a dramatic "feel good" movie, and although I kinda got my wish, I had NO idea the main theme in this movie is...GOLF! Golf as a metaphor for life starring Matt Damon as the epic Golfer from Savannah GA, Charlize Theron as his abandoned love interest and Will Smith as the "mysterious", calls-it-like-it-is Caddy. A fantastic directing effort by Rob Redford, but I just couldn't get into the overly dramatic golf game throughout the film leading up to the predictable climax. Those kind of climaxes work best for Baseball, Football & even Hockey flicks, but GOLF?!?! Not really, but to each his/her own.

3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.

Carly C. (ccwriter) from VISTA, CA Reviewed on 3/2/2010...

I just love this movie. I think it is perfectly cast and it is Will Smith's best performance ever. Don't bother if you don't like sentiment.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Elaine D. from FORT MYERS, FL Reviewed on 12/7/2009...

I LOVE IT!!!!

1 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.

Movie Reviews

Drama at its finest.

S. K. Leggate | Fernley, NV United States | 05/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a drama. Don't watch it looking for action of a lot of laughs, but don't think you won't enjoy it just because it doesn't have tons of humor or action. It deals with very real pain and develops some very strong characters.The movie is set in the Savannah, Georgia in the middle of the Great Depression. Rannulph Junuh, played by Matt Damon, is a war veteran and former golfer who at one time possesed a lot of talent, but has now lost his "swing", not to mention his faith. Despite this he has been asked to play in an exhibition match against the two greatest golfers of his day. His caddy is Bagger Vance, played by Will Smith. Bagger is an angel, Junuh's gaurdian angel. He is the guide who shows Junuh the way to rid himself of his inner demons, and move on with his life. This movie is wonderful film, and another of Redford's works of art. The acting is superb, and will be hard to surpass. The casting was done very well, and the story extremely well written. Don't miss this one."

A Wonderful Whimsical Golf Tale!

Barron Laycock | Temple, New Hampshire United States | 09/10/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"One of the things I love best about Robert Redford's movies is the singular visual quality he employs in each, and the way he uses the environment to add to the telling of the tale. Whether it be in the breath-taking "A River Runs Through It", in which the stunning Montana countryside is a virtual unattributed co-star in the film, or "The Horse Whisperer", in which every rugged natural element about the pristine rural surroundings add to the tale, he always uses his topography, climate, and setting to charm the audience into the frame of reference he is using to spin his yarn. This is no less so here, where he uses the gorgeous background of the rural countryside in telling this tale of a man coming to terms with his potential.This is a classic tale of a professional golfer with almost unlimited potential who is content to let it all ride because he is basically afraid of success. And with Matt Damon, he finds a believable and sympathetic protagonist who decides to take the chance and make the effort based on the mysterious appearance and subsequent profound influence of Bagger Vance, an almost angelic figure who we are finally left to wonder about. Will Smith steps out of his usual cocky roles to give a thoughtful and whimsical performance, and add immeasurably to the film. Smith acts as a fulcrum throughout the movie, showing us the wisdom of homespun realism as opposed to city wisdom, of simple virtues as opposed to more sophisticated aims and pursuits, and of honesty and craftsmanship over gamesmanship and conniving.
This movie is very much in line with his previous efforts in "the Natural', another whimsical tale about a man coming to term with his talents and his demons, learning to finally accept both as coming from him at the same time he resolves his existential situation. This is the case here, too, and one walks away from the film feeling good about the world. And watching Charlize Theron support her man is enough to make anyone cheer. This is beautifully filmed period piece, and all of the production values from costumes to dialogue to settings to historical accuracy are impeccable drawn together in service to the plot and resolution. The golf sequences are extremely well done, and there is hardly a golf fan in the world who wouldn't like the film just on that basis alone. For those of us who are fans of Redford's work, this is another in a series of thoughtful efforts to paint us a picture of an alternative side to this busy and frantic world we might otherwise never see. Enjoy!"

An excellent movie!

Tony Zerhusen | 07/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""The Lengend of Bagger Vance" is one of those movies that has a sense of beauty and magic to it. Will Smith does a tremendous job as Bagger. There are a number of one liners he delivers with a smile on his face. Yet, he conveys a deep sense of being more than he appears. What adds to the movie is a tremendous soundtrack. The music has a way of touching the soul and leaving a mark. It is difficult to put into words what draws me to this movie. The acting, scenery, music all combine to give the viewer a wonderful feast not soon forgotten!"

The hasbeen that never really was.

golfwriter1959 | Winchester, tn | 05/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was touched By this film. The meaning of this movie to me
was . God gives all of us a mullagan every day we live.
To keep trying ,not giving up and that anything is
possable. Maybe if i keep trying i can find My swing."